Just back from Big Bend

[JasonH]

Will that get me fired up for it? I'll have to look for it...

I'm in. My son's 6th birthday party was going to be on the 21st, but my wife convinced him to postpone it so I could go on this trip.

Someone give me an idea of where I'm meeting you guys and when to be there. I've never been before. It'll be cool going with some Big Bend pros.

 

[notyourmomslx450]

That's a cool movie. I wish I could go down there w/ you guys, but I'll be working. Dammit!!

 

[BrettinSanAntonio]

Yep, that is a good flick. I love the scenary.

If I leave Wednesday night and I'm driving alone, I'll probably stop at Seminole Canyon State Park (hour west of Del Rio) and get some rest. I'll get back on the road before sunrise and make some time to make the park.

The other option is leave very, very early thursday morning and drive straight through. I guess I'm not sure yet. It's been a while since I've seen Seminole Canyon and the Judge Roy Bean Saloon so I may go that route.

We can meet just about any where in the park including a back country campsite. I can always leave a note at the Panther Junction Ranger Station indicating where I'm camped. Of course this depends on if we're starting out in the National Park or Terlingua area. I think the largest factor will be the TIME people begin arriving. Any idea?

 

[BrettinSanAntonio]

Big Bend Plan

Chris, your the lead on this one. Do you have any preferece as to where we meet? National Park, Terlingua or highway intersection?

How do you want to do food?

Are we staying in one spot or moving camp around?

 

[JasonH]

You guys say when and where and I'll be there. If by some miracle I'm ready early enough, I may leave early Wednesday and camp by myself the first night if you guys are coming Thursday.
Also let me know what I need to bring for food, etc. Do I need extra gas? I have a couple of NATO cans I can throw in but I need to find a spout for them. I doubt I get much worse mileage than an 80 and my stock tank is 21 gal.

 

[BrettinSanAntonio]

No, you won't need extra gas cans. I've never been that close to running out. I usually top off my tank when driving by a gas station. I'll plan on leaving Wednesday night and driving to Seminole Canyon State Park outside of Del Rio. I'll get some sleep there and then continue in the morning. If you want we can meet up in Marathon or Panther Junction Thursday AM. Marathon would probably be a good place.

 

[notyourmomslx450]

No, you won't need extra gas cans. I've never been that close to running out.

Well, you haven't until now. You'd better start knocking on wood or else you'll find yourself w/ a hole in your tank or some other horrible ridiculous gas losing problem.

 

[Panzer]

I would be in but Uncle Sam chose that weekend first so I have to work my other job that weekend. You guys take lots of picks for us.
Have fun,
CAS

 

[JasonH]

Cool. We'll firm things up as they get closer. Looking at the maps, I'm thinking best case I get there mid afternoon Wednesday and I head for some primitive site like near McKinney Spring. Then maybe Panther Junction is a good meeting spot. There's probably not cell service there I'm guessing...

Like I said though, we'll see as we get closer. Chris still needs to put in his $0.02.


*edit - Not 'cool' you can't go CAS. You piped in while I was typing.

 

[Dirty White Boy]

I love that movie.

 

[BrettinSanAntonio]

Well, you haven't until now. You'd better start knocking on wood or else you'll find yourself w/ a hole in your tank or some other horrible ridiculous gas losing problem.

Well, true but so far so good. Since I'm solo, I'll probably take my roof rack off to reduce drag and noise. I'd rather not carry fuel cans in the cab with me. I really need a jerry can holder on the other side of my spare tire carrier.

 

[BrettinSanAntonio]

If you get there that early I'll just take I-10 and drive straight through. I might be as late as midnight but at least I'll wake up there in the morning and you'll have breakfast company. If you're going all the way into the park, you might want to just grab a site (if we're staying there and not Terlingua). Rice Tank #1 and #2 has great Chisos view and is cental. I also recommend Paint Gap #4 for views and central location. Upper Pine Canyon sites and Glenn Springs are also nice sites but are a haul in and out.

Let's see what Chris has in mind. All this being said, Terlingua is still great with me. I'd like to explore those backcountry roads also.

Cool. We'll firm things up as they get closer. Looking at the maps, I'm thinking best case I get there mid afternoon Wednesday and I head for some primitive site like near McKinney Spring. Then maybe Panther Junction is a good meeting spot. There's probably not cell service there I'm guessing...

Like I said though, we'll see as we get closer. Chris still needs to put in his $0.02.


*edit - Not 'cool' you can't go CAS. You piped in while I was typing.

 

[TinStar]

Sorry I havent been on the forum much lately guys....don't have internet at my apartment yet and i'm in an in-service class for 2 weeks.

I plan on leaving wednesday afternoon/evening from the DFW area and driving through the evening/night to my place on Terlingua Ranch (located on Jack Eden Mesa if you can get a map to find it, "Street atlas" has it on some versions). I think Todd Huey might go also. I dont know if he will ride with me or take his 80. Todd is off on Wednesdays and I get off at 3pm (unless I take off early....which is highly possible) so we could leave somewhat early. (whatever is convenient.)

If there is only a small group going, we can stay all nights at the adobe and drive the ranch roads as well as the roads in Solatario. I think I know enough about the area that I can find ya'll some neat stuff to look at and plenty of wildlife to photograph. Or we could camp....packing is easier when staying at the adobe...all you need is your clothes and bedding.

I think a day trip through Solatario with an evening at the Terlingua Ghost town with shiners and dinner at the Starlight theatre would be a nice day trip as well.

My place will sleep 7-8 comfortably. Has bathrooms and a full kitchen and will act as a good base of operations. There is cell phone service with cingular at the adobe house....its the damnest thing, but my phone works there.

Jason....We can convoy on down if you want. Just let me know and we will set up a meeting place. I will have my roof rack on with extra gas cans which will help us push the envelope on stops. I have a nato can spout, also.....

Brett....I will post a new forum with our intentions and invite others to go. I will also do some research and get you directions to get you close to the adobe. If I am there before you, you can call when you get to Alpine and I will meet you at the main entrance to Terlingua Ranch. I will try to get that done in the next day or two.

With a full service kitchen...what I have always done in the past is come up with a menu for everyone. I buy the food and we split the cost evenly however many ways there are. All anyone else would need to bring is drinks (including beer, wine....) and snacks. We normally eat a good breakfast before heading out....eat sandwhiches on the trails...then back to the adobe for dinner. 2 hot meals a day with sandwhiches and snacks in between. I do all the cookin....Ya'll do the cleaning.... . If that sounds good to ya'll, just let me know...

If you want to contact me with questions or just to chat...214-683-6269.

It's gonna be a good trip....

WHEW....that was a lot of typing...think I'll have a beer.

 

[BrettinSanAntonio]

I plan on leaving wednesday afternoon/evening from the DFW area and driving through the evening/night to my place on Terlingua Ranch (located on Jack Eden Mesa if you can get a map to find it, "Street atlas" has it on some versions). I think Todd Huey might go also. I dont know if he will ride with me or take his 80. Todd is off on Wednesdays and I get off at 3pm (unless I take off early....which is highly possible) so we could leave somewhat early. (whatever is convenient.)

Excellent. I’m going to drive the I-10 route for speed and may meet up with you guys in Fort Stockton or Marathon. I think the timing will work towards that OR I’ll meet you at the entrance to Terlingua Ranch. Chris, do you have the adobe GPS coordinates?

If there is only a small group going, we can stay all nights at the adobe and drive the ranch roads as well as the roads in Solatario. I think I know enough about the area that I can find ya'll some neat stuff to look at and plenty of wildlife to photograph. Or we could camp....packing is easier when staying at the adobe...all you need is your clothes and bedding.

I’m good with staying at the adobe. It will be a nice change from sleeping on the ground and make a great center for trail riding “operations”.

I think a day trip through Solatario with an evening at the Terlingua Ghost town with shiners and dinner at the Starlight theatre would be a nice day trip as well.

Perfect.

My place will sleep 7-8 comfortably. Has bathrooms and a full kitchen and will act as a good base of operations. There is cell phone service with cingular at the adobe house....its the damnest thing, but my phone works there.

My Sprint phone rarely works beyond the tip of my ARB bumper. There are times my CB seems to have better reception.

With a full service kitchen...what I have always done in the past is come up with a menu for everyone. I buy the food and we split the cost evenly however many ways there are. All anyone else would need to bring is drinks (including beer, wine....) and snacks. We normally eat a good breakfast before heading out....eat sandwhiches on the trails...then back to the adobe for dinner. 2 hot meals a day with sandwhiches and snacks in between. I do all the cookin....Ya'll do the cleaning.... . If that sounds good to ya'll, just let me know...

That sounds great. I’ll happily eat just about anything and I can scrub the hell out of a pan too.

If you want to contact me with questions or just to chat...214-683-6269.

It's gonna be a good trip....

This is going to be awesome! We definitely need to exchange cell numbers before the trip to coordinate meeting.


The only variation I may throw into the plan is the opportunity to do some aerial touring out of Presido. I thought about leaving a day earlier to meet with a guy for some flying around the Chinati Mountains or the Solitario. I’ll figure that out later. Check out these awesome flight video of the area!

http://www.flybigbend.com/html/videos.html

 

[JasonH]

The plan sounds awesome guys! Just let me know if I can contribute anything. Chris, regarding a caravan, I can do that but keep in mind that my cruising speed is in the low 70's on flat ground. (I'm dreading Ranger Hill.) So I was thinking I'd get a head start. Maybe I'll try to get to the adobe early and pitch a tent in the yard Wednesday night. Or something...